The troop broke into two groups today -- one group went on a hike up the Bunderspitz, the other went on a "chocolate and cheese tour", a bus trip to Swiss chocolate and cheese factories.
We met our guide, Lars (from Sweden) right after breakfast for a climb up the Bunderspitz. We first hiked to a cable car and rode it up to the start of the climb. We were able to get fairly close to the peak when the skies opened up with rain and hail. So we waited . . . about 30 minutes later, the storm was gone, but Lars changed the plan -- decided not to climb to the summit as the trail was very slippery -- so instead we hiked along another ridge line -- enjoying the scenery and eventually made it back to Kandersteg in time for dinner.
Lars goes over the checklist On the cable car
Up, up, up Getting higher . . . good way to get a jump on hiking up a mountain
The second car with our Scouts approaches the top
A water break The hike to the peak continues
Above the treeline An Alpine salamander
And the skies opened up . . . . . . but, of course, Scouts follow the motto, "Be Prepared"
A little while later the rainstorm passed and we were hiking again Drying out
Slight change of plans - we hike along another ridgeline, but the scenery was still spectacular Back below the tree line